Nepal's jungle safari experience is one of Asia's finest and most underrated wildlife encounters. Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park protect exceptional wildlife populations in genuinely wild subtropical forest and grassland. The quality of wildlife encounters here – particularly for Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinoceroses – compares favourably with the best of East Africa and Southeast Asia, at a fraction of the visitor numbers and cost.
A typical Nepal jungle safari combines morning and afternoon game drives in open jeeps through the park's interior zones; a river canoe trip past gharial crocodiles and extraordinary waterbirds; jungle walks on foot with armed park rangers in genuine tiger territory; and cultural immersion with the Tharu people – the indigenous communities who have coexisted with this wildlife for centuries. The Chitwan experience is accessible in 3 days from Kathmandu. Bardia, for the serious wildlife enthusiast, rewards a 4–5 day visit with lower visitor pressure and arguably better tiger-sighting conditions. We also organise Koshi Tappu trips for birdwatchers seeking Nepal's finest wetland birding. See our full wildlife tour range.
Ride an elephant through the silent jungle catching wildlife by surprise; it will be one of the most enduring experiences in Nepal. The jungles in the southern and south-western parts of Nepal are only a half hour to an hour’s flight away.
The Chitwan National Park and the Bardiya National Park are home to an incredible variety of mammals, reptiles and birds. The former is recognized as the best preserved conservation area in all Asia with a fascinating range of wildlife roaming free. With their natural habitat well preserved the animals are thriving.
Among these are the endangered species: the Greater one-horned rhinoceros and the most sought after Royal Bengal tiger. The many safari lodges in Chitwan and Bardiya provide excellent accommodation and facilities for guests to enjoy wildlife activities.
See wildlife up-close on an elephant safari or a jeep drive, a boat ride or nature walk under the guidance of expert naturalists with years of experience. Each trip is unique as one never knows what will show up: a bear, a herd of deer, a flock of peacocks, Langur monkeys on treetops, a pair of rhinos and some lucky guests get to see the elusive tiger prowling among the tall grass.
Away from the noise and distractions of city life, there is unbelievable peace in the middle of a jungle listening to bird calls and animal sounds. Surrounded by greenery and filled with natural sounds, the mind relaxes and one finds peace in the wilderness. It’s an experience of a lifetime.
Nature
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